Apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training is provided and includes an upright cylindrical member extending upwardly from and mounted in a base. A spinning assembly has at least one radially outwardly extending arm that has a first end and a second end. The first end of the arm is rotatably mounted on the upright cylindrical member. A strike target is positioned at the second end of the arm and the strike target is rotatable about the upright cylindrical member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/721,313; filed on Nov. 1, 2012, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention relates generally to an apparatus for exercise andfitness training. In particular, the instant invention is directed to anapparatus for physical conditioning focusing on striking techniques andtraining.

BACKGROUND

An apparatus or a device configured for use during physical activity,such as for example exercise and fitness training, typically providesfixed or adjustable levels of resistance to enhance the strength orconditioning effects of the exercise or fitness training. A variety ofdifferent machines are configured to provide improved cardiovascularhealth, such as for example treadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machines,stair steppers and the like. For boxing, martial arts and other combatsports, heavy bags, standing bags, and similar apparatuses, commonlyreferred to collectively as punching bags, have been adapted fordeveloping striking techniques such as punching, kicking and otherstriking maneuvers. Such punching bags are often filled with grains,sand or other material and are usually hung from the ceiling or affixedto a stand. Typically, such punching bags are hung from a hanging deviceaffixed to an uppermost point of contact of the bag wherein the fixedpoint of contact about which the punching moves can range from theuppermost point of contact of the bag to the upper support structure orceiling from which the punching bag is hung. When struck, the punchingbag moves laterally and rotates in relation to the fixed point ofcontact.

Other known devices adapted for developing striking techniques includeweighted bags or balls that are attached to an upper support structureor ceiling and a lower support structure or floor. When the device isstruck by a user, the device moves away from the user in relation to thedirection of the impact and generally returns toward the user with aforce of a magnitude lower than that of the initial strike to the devicesuch that the user must react to the returning device.

Typically, the heavy bags, standing bags, and punching bags areconfigured to receive strikes; thus, such equipment is used to practicestriking techniques such as punching and kicking in a non-interactivemanner. In fact, heavy bags are often held in place by one user whileanother user strikes the bag. In contrast, the swinging weighted bags orballs fixedly attached to an upper and lower support structure onlyprovide the user with a routine of striking the device and then dodgingthe device upon its return. Neither the heavy bag devices nor theswinging weighted bag or balls provide interactive strike training fordeveloping striking techniques including punching and kicking whereinthe device reacts to the form of the striking technique.

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full contact combat sport that allows theuse of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on theground, from a variety of other combat sports. MMA practitioners trainin striking-based arts such as boxing, kickboxing, and karate, as wellas cross training in arts based around wrestling takedowns andsubmission holds. Such cross-training provides MMA practitioners withincreasingly multidimensional skill sets. Unfortunately, the heavy bagdevices and the swinging weighted bag or balls known in the art areinsufficient to provide strike training to develop increasinglymultidimensional skill sets to compete in the MMA field.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present invention resides in an apparatus forphysical conditioning and strike training comprising: an uprightcylindrical member extending upwardly from and mounted in a base; aspinning assembly having at least one radially outwardly extending arm,the arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the armrotatably mounted on the upright cylindrical member; and a strike targetpositioned at the second end of the arm, the strike target beingrotatable about the upright cylindrical member.

In another aspect, the present invention resides in an apparatus forphysical conditioning and strike training comprising: an uprightcylindrical member extending upwardly from and mounted in a base; aspinning assembly having a first radially outwardly extending arm and asecond radially outwardly extending arm, the first and second arms eachhaving a first end and a second end, the first end of each of the firstand second arms rotatably mounted on the upright cylindrical memberbetween a first upper stop and a first lower stop; a strike targetpositioned between the second end of each of the first and second arms,the strike target being rotatable about the upright cylindrical member;and a resistance mechanism fixedly mounted on the upright cylindricalmember to resist the rotational movement of the spinning assembly aboutthe upright cylindrical member, the resistance mechanism fixedly mountedon the upright cylindrical member between a second upper stop and asecond lower stop, the second upper stop positioned above the firstupper stop on the upright cylindrical member, the second lower stoppositioned below the first lower stop on the upright cylindrical member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides an isometric view of one embodiment of an apparatus forphysical conditioning and strike training in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B provide a side view of a device for use with theapparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides an isometric view of another embodiment of an apparatusfor physical conditioning and strike training in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C provide a side view of alternate devices for usewith the apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of FIG.3.

FIG. 5 provides an isometric view of a data recording device for usewith an apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training inaccordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training is shown inFIG. 1 and is generally referred to herein as apparatus 10. Theapparatus 10 provides for physical conditioning, strength training,aerobic exercise, and general exercise integral with a fitness trainingprogram. The apparatus 10 also enables physical conditioning focusing onstriking techniques and training. The apparatus provides a strike target40 that moves in response to various striking techniques commonlyexecuted in the practice of martial arts or MMA. Such strikingtechniques include, for example, kicking, hand striking, elbow striking,and blocking techniques. The strike target 40 is elastically moveable ina direction generally parallel to the floor on which the apparatus 10 isplaced, and is rotatably moveable about a vertical axis of the apparatus10. The elastically moveable strike target 40 provides an interactiveexperience as the practitioner performs various striking techniques.

Apparatus 10 includes an upright cylindrical member or a pole 12extending upwardly from and mounted in a base 20. In one embodiment, thebase 20 comprises a hollow interior 24 such that when filled with sand,water, or a similar medium, the weighted base provides stability for theapparatus 10 during use. Sealable or capped apertures 22A and 22B areprovided for accessing the hollow interior 24 of the base 20.Alternatively, the base 20 may comprise a substantially solid interiorsuch that no additional weight is needed to provide a stable andsuitably-weighted base.

The base 20 defines a central cavity 21 formed substantially in thecenter of the base 20 such that the apparatus 10 is stable during use.In one embodiment, a ring clamp 50 is provided to accommodate themounting of the pole 12 within the base 20. The ring clamp 50 includes atop ring 52, a bottom ring or plate 54, and fasteners 56 such as forexample a pair of bolts and nuts for releasably securing the top ring 52to the bottom plate 54. In one embodiment, the pole 12 is releasablysecured in the central cavity 21 of the base 20 by a press fitting,pinning, or staking the pole 12 in the central cavity 21. In anotherembodiment, the pole 12 is releasably secured in the central cavity 21of the base 20 with a fastener such as a tension pin extending from thepole through an aperture in the in the central cavity 21, or a thumbscrew is inserted through the aperture in the in the central cavity 21and engages the pole 12. In one embodiment, the pole 12 is adjustable inlength such as, for example, a telescopic pole.

The base 20 can form any of a number of geometric shapes having acentral cavity 21 for mounting the pole 12 therein. In one embodiment,the base 20 includes a base upright extending vertically upwardstherefrom upon which the pole 12 is mounted. The base can be fabricatedfrom plastic or other synthetic material, metal, wood, or any similarlyrobust material suitable for providing a weighted base for the apparatus10. Similarly, the pole 12 can be fabricated from plastic or othersynthetic material, metal, wood, or any similarly robust materialsuitable for providing a central axis around which the strike target 40can rotate.

A spinning assembly 30 is rotatably mounted on the pole 12 with one ormore clamps 13 that are lockingly and releasably secured to the pole 12,such as for example a weight-lifting bar clamp or collar, a locking camand the like. In one embodiment, the spinning assembly 30 is mounted onthe pole 12 between an upper stop 14 and a lower stop 16. The positionof the upper stop 14 and the lower stop 16 are selectively adjusted byloosening and tightening a fastener, for example, thumb screws 15 and17, respectively. In one embodiment, the pole 12 includes a plurality ofapertures 19 for receiving the thumb screws 15 and 17 therein.Accordingly, the height of the spinning assembly 30 is adjustable byraising or lowering the spinning assembly with a simple adjustment ofthe upper and lower stops 14 and 16. This vertical adjustment capabilityalso provides for varying heights of different users or MMApractitioners.

At least one radially outwardly extending arm 31A, and preferably asecond radially outwardly extending arm 31B is rotatably secured to thepole 12 at a proximate end or first end 32 of each arm 31A and 31B. Inone embodiment, the first end 32 of the arms 31A and 31B includes arespective sleeve 32A and 32B through which the pole 12 extends. In oneembodiment, the first end 32 of the respective arms 31A and 31B isintegrally formed with the respective sleeve 32A and 32B. The sleeves32A and 32B provide for rotational movement of the spinning assembly 30about the pole 12. In one embodiment, a separator 18 is mounted on thepole 12 between the sleeves 32A and 32B to maintain the position of thesleeves 32A and 32B on the pole 12. In one embodiment, the sleeves 32Aand 32B and/or the separator 18 include a respective liner 36A, 36B, and36C to facilitate rotation of the spinning assembly 30 about the pole12. In one embodiment, the liners 36A, 36B, and 36C are integrallyformed as continuous segments of a liner 36. In one embodiment, thesleeves 32A and 32B include a respective bearing 37A and 37B, such asfor example a spherical bearing assembly or a roller bearing assembly,to facilitate rotation of the spinning assembly 30 about the pole 12.

The arms 31A and 31B and respective sleeves 32A and 32B, and theseparator 18, also can be fabricated from plastic or other syntheticmaterial, metal, wood, or any similarly robust material suitable forhaving a strike target mounted thereon. In one embodiment, the arms 31Aand 31B include padding 33 to provide impact protection for the userstriking the apparatus 10. The padding 33 includes an enclosurefabricated from leather, vinyl, cloth, or other suitable pliablematerial filled with foam or other suitably shock-absorbing material.

The strike target 40 is fixedly attached or mounted to the arms 31A and32B at a distal end or second end 34. Accordingly, the strike target 40is rotatably secured to the pole 12. In one embodiment, the striketarget 40 is integrally formed with the arms 31A and 31B. The striketarget 40 includes an enclosure 42 that provides a suitable strikingarea 44 on both a front face 45 and a rear face (not shown) of thestrike target 40. The enclosure 42 houses a pliable and resilientmaterial, such as for example a dense foam block, suitable for strikingwith a hand, foot, elbow, knee or other part of a practitioner's body.In one embodiment, the strike target 40 includes one or more pressuremeasurement devices 46 to measure an impact force of a strike made by apractitioner. Pressure measurement devices 46 can include pressuresensors, pressure transducers, and the like. In one embodiment, eachpressure measurement device 46 includes a transistor, transceiver orother like transmitting device for transmitting, via wired or wirelessmeans, the measured pressure of the strike to a data recording device asmore fully described with reference to FIG. 5.

The rotation of the spinning assembly 30 and the strike target 40mounted thereon or integrally formed therewith directly correspond tothe type and force of the strike made by a practitioner and provide achallenging cardiovascular workout wherein the practitioner must recoiland strike continuously while changing footwork, technique, directionand tempo. One embodiment of the apparatus 10 includes a resistancemechanism 60 to slow or resist the rotational movement of the spinningassembly 30 about the pole 12 by, for example, selectively increasing ordecreasing a biasing of the spinning assembly 30. The apparatus 10having the resistance mechanism 60 installed thereon is shown withoutthe spinning assembly 30 in FIG. 2A and with the spinning assembly 30 inFIG. 2B.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the resistance mechanism 60 is mounted on the pole12 with clamps 62 that are lockingly and releasably secured to the pole12, such as for example a weight-lifting bar clamp or collar, a lockingcam and the like. In one embodiment, the resistance mechanism 60 isfixedly mounted on the pole 12 between an upper stop 63 and a lower stop64. A flange or ring mount 67 extends radially outwardly from each ofthe upper and lower stops 63 and 64. A flex cord 68 extends between, andis releasable secured to, each of the mounts 67 respectively extendingfrom the upper and lower stops 63 and 64.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the resistance mechanism 60 is mounted on the pole12 in relation to the spinning assembly 30 also mounted on the pole 12.The upper stop 63 of the resistance mechanism 60 is mounted on the pole12 above the upper stop 14 of the spinning assembly 30; and the lowerstop 64 of the resistance mechanism 60 is mounted on the pole 12 belowthe lower stop 14 of the spinning assembly 30. Such a configurationensures that the spinning assembly 30, and in particular the radiallyoutwardly extending arms 31A and 31B, are positioned vertically betweenthe upper and lower stops 63 and 64 of the resistance mechanism 60. Inaddition, the position of the upper and lower stops 63 and 64 of theresistance mechanism 60 are selectively adjusted by loosening andtightening a fastener, for example, a thumb screw 65 and 66,respectively (FIG. 2A). As described above, the pole 12 includes theplurality of apertures 19 which are also configured for receiving thethumb screws 65 and 66 therein. Accordingly, the height of theresistance mechanism 60 is adjustable together with the spinningassembly 30 by raising or lowering the spinning assembly with a simpleadjustment of the upper and lower stops 14 and 16 of the spinningassembly 30, and the upper and lower stops 65 and 66 of the resistancemechanism 60.

The flex cord 68 connected to each of the mounts 67 respectivelyextending from the upper and lower stops 63 and 64 of the resistancemechanism 60 provides resistance to the spinning assembly 30 whenrotating about the pole 12 in response to the strike target 40 receivinga strike from a practitioner. For example, when struck by a practitioneron the striking area 44 on the front face 45 of the strike target 40,the spinning assembly 30 rotationally accelerates in the directionindicated by the arrow Q about the pole 12. The radially outwardlyextending arms 31A and 31B of the spinning assembly 30, positionedvertically between the upper and lower stops 63 and 64 of the resistancemechanism 60, strike the flex cord 68. In response, the flex cord 68resiliently expands while simultaneously resisting further rotation ofthe spinning assembly 30 about the pole 12 in the direction Q. The flexcord 68 is configured to impede the rotational movement of the spinningassembly 30 such that the spinning assembly 30 is brought to a stop andthen rotationally accelerates in the direction indicated by the arrow Rabout the pole 12. Thus, the target repeatedly returns toward thepractitioner. Additionally, the practitioner can connect one or moreadditional flex cords 68 to each of the mounts 67 thereby increasing theresistance against the rotational movement of the spinning assembly 30and concurrently increasing the speed at which the spinning assembly 30is rebounded back toward the practitioner.

Use of one or more flex cords 68 modifies the interactive component ofthe strike training provided by the apparatus 10. The adjustableresistance of the rotational movement of the spinning assembly 30 andthe corresponding rebound of the spinning assembly 30 back toward thepractitioner can be selectively increased or decreased depending uponthe type of training desired. For example, a practitioner can select acomparatively lower resistance level to develop hand or foot strikingtechniques; or a practitioner can select a comparatively higherresistance level to accommodate footwork drills.

The rotational movement of the spinning assembly 30 in response to astrike made by a practitioner, and the corresponding rebound the if theresistance mechanism 60 is employed, provides a true interactivephysical training experience for the practitioner. The form of therotational movement of the spinning assembly 30 is directly related tothe technique of the preceding strike made by the practitioner. Forexample, a direct strike translates into a smoother and quicker rotationof the spinning assembly 30 about the pole 12; and a quicker rebound ifthe resistance mechanism 60 is employed. The more forceful and directthe strike, therein signifying a more advanced striking technique, thequicker the reaction time of the practitioner must be to continue theuse of the apparatus 10 at such a pace and with such a strikingtechnique. Such interactive feedback provides the practitioner with agauge for measuring strike training performance and progress. Endlesscombinations of punching, kicking and footwork techniques can beperformed interactively with use of the apparatus 10 with correspondingfeedback immediately provided to the practitioner.

Another apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training is shownin FIG. 3 and is generally referred to herein as apparatus 100. Theapparatus 100 includes a pole 112 extending upwardly from and mounted ina base 120. The base 120 defines a central cavity 121 formed in the base120. Sealable or capped apertures 122A and 122B are provided foraccessing a hollow interior 124 of the base 120 to fill the interiorwith sand or a like medium to provide a weighted base. In oneembodiment, the base 120 comprises a substantially solid interior suchthat no additional weight is needed to provide a stable weighted base. Asleeve 123 is provided to accommodate the mounting of the pole 112within the base 120. In one embodiment, the pole 112 is releasablysecured in the base 120 by a fastener 125 such as a tension pin, aninsert having an aperture into which is positioned a cotter pin, a thumbscrew, a threaded bolt and nut, and the like. In one embodiment, thepole 112 is secured directly within the base 120 without the use of asleeve.

A spinning assembly 130 is rotatably mounted on the pole 112 between anupper stop 114 and a lower stop 116 that are lockingly and releasablysecured to the pole 112. The position of the upper stop 114 and thelower stop 116 are selectively adjusted by loosening and tightening, forexample, a thumb screw 115 and 117, respectively. An outwardly extendingarm 131 is rotatably secured to the pole 112 at a proximate or first end132 of the arm 131. The first end 132 of the arm 131 includes a sleeve132A through which the pole 112 extends. In one embodiment, the arm 131and sleeve the 132A are integrally formed. The sleeve 132A provides forrotational movement of the spinning assembly 130 about the pole 112. Inone embodiment, the sleeve 132A includes a liner or bearing tofacilitate rotating the spinning assembly 130 about the pole 112.

A mount 134 is positioned at a distal or second end 133 of the arm 131.A strike target 135 such as a spring ball is removably fixed to an upperarm 134A and a lower arm 134B of the mount 134 via a first swivel joint135A and a second swivel joint 135B. One or more flex cords, springs orother biasing elements 136 provide spring-like tension to the springball 135. In one embodiment, a flex cord 136A is positioned along orwithin and attached to the upper arm 134A at swivel joint 135A, and aflex cord 136B is positioned along or within and attached to lower arm134B at swivel joint 135B. In one embodiment, the flex cord 136 ispositioned along or within the mount 134 and attached to swivel joints135A and 135B. In one embodiment, a strike pad 137 is mounted on amid-portion of the arm 131. Preferably, the arm 131 and the mount 134also are padded.

Additional embodiments of the arm 131 and the mount 134 of the apparatus100 are shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C. Like elements of FIG. 3 depictedin FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are identified by like reference numbers precededby a “2”, “3” and “4” respectively.

One embodiment of a spinning assembly 230 is shown in FIG. 4A. Anoutwardly extending arm 231 is rotatably secured to the pole 212 at aproximate or first end 232 of the arm 231. A mount 234 is formed at adistal or second end 233 of the arm 231. A strike target such as a speedbag 235 is removably fixed to an upper arm 234A and a lower arm 234B ofthe mount 234 via a first swivel joint 235A and a second swivel joint235B. A strike pad 237 is mounted on a mid-portion of the arm 231.Preferably, the arm 231 and the mount 234 also are padded.

Another embodiment of a spinning assembly 330 is shown in FIG. 4B. Afirst outwardly extending arm 331A is rotatably secured to the pole 312at a proximate or first end 332A of the arm 331A. A mount 334 is formedat a distal or second end 333A of the arm 331A. A strike target such asa strike bag 335 is removably fixed to an upper arm 334A and a lower arm334B of the mount 334 via a first swivel joint 335A and a second swiveljoint 335B. A strike pad 337A is mounted on a mid-portion of the arm331A. A second outwardly extending arm 331B is secured to the pole 312at a proximate or first end 332B of the arm 331B. A distal end or second333B of the arm 331B terminates at approximately the mid-portion of thearm 331A. A mount 338 is formed at a distal or second end 333B of thearm 331B. A strike target such as a strike bag 340 is removably fixed toan upper arm 338A and a lower arm 338B of the mount 338 via a firstswivel joint 340A and a second swivel joint 340B. In one embodiment, astrike pad 337B is mounted at the second end 333B of the arm 331Binstead of the strike bag 340. The second outwardly extending arm 331Bis secured to the first outwardly extending arm 331A via a connectionbracket 350 such that the arms 331A and 331B together uniformly rotateabout the pole 312.

Another embodiment of a spinning assembly 430 is shown in FIG. 4C. Anoutwardly extending arm 431 is rotatably secured to the pole 412 at aproximate end 432 of the arm 431. A mount 434 is formed at a distal orfirst end 433 of the arm 431. A strike target such as a strike bag 435is removably fixed to an upper arm 434A and a lower arm 434B of themount 434 via a first swivel joint 435A and a second swivel joint 435B.A strike pad 437 is mounted on a mid-portion of the arm 431. Preferably,the arm 431 and the mount 434 also are padded.

A monitoring or data recording device 500 is depicted in FIG. 5. Thedevice 500 receives and records measurements taken and transmitted bythe pressure measurement devices 46 embedded in the strike target 40.The device 500 includes a housing 502, one or more monitoring indicators504, and one or more data output devices 506. In one embodiment, thedevice 500 includes a counter that counts the number of strikes executedby the practitioner during a session. In one embodiment, the device 500also includes a transmitter, receiver, transceiver or like receivingdevice for receiving the data transmitted by the pressure measurementdevices 46 to the device 500. The data obtained by the pressuremeasurement devices 46 is transmitted via a hardwired circuit whereinthe wire runs internally within or along the radially outwardlyextending arm 31, 131 to the pole 12, 112 and to the device 500 mountedthereon. In one embodiment, the pressure measurement devices 46 comprisea wireless capability and the data obtained is transmitted via wirelesstechnology to the receiving device of the device 500. In one embodiment,the device 500 includes a ring mount 508 for mounting the device 500onto the pole 12, 112 to place the device 500 in proximity to theapparatus 10, 100 and the practitioner using the apparatus.

It should be understood that the present invention is not limited withregard to the apparatus for physical conditioning focusing on strikingtechniques and training described hereinabove. Accordingly, although theinvention has been described with reference to particular embodimentsthereof, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, upona reading and understanding of the foregoing disclosure, that numerousvariations and alterations to the disclosed embodiments will fall withinthe spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for physical conditioning and striketraining comprising: an upright cylindrical member extending upwardlyfrom and mounted in a base; a spinning assembly having at least oneradially outwardly extending arm, the arm having a first end and asecond end, the first end of the arm rotatably mounted on the uprightcylindrical member; and a strike target positioned at the second end ofthe arm, the strike target being rotatable about the upright cylindricalmember.
 2. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike trainingof claim 1, the base having a hollow interior and at least one sealableaperture for accessing the hollow interior.
 3. The apparatus forphysical conditioning and strike training of claim 2, the hollowinterior of the base being filled with a weighted medium.
 4. Theapparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim 1,further comprising a central cavity formed substantially in the centerof the base in which the upright cylindrical member is mounted.
 5. Theapparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim 1, thefirst end of the arm of the spinning assembly being rotatably mounted onthe upright cylindrical member between an upper stop and a lower stop,the upper and lower stops being lockingly and releasably secured to theupright cylindrical member.
 6. The apparatus for physical conditioningand strike training of claim 1, the first end of the arm of the spinningassembly including a sleeve through which the upright cylindrical memberextends.
 7. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike trainingof claim 6, the sleeve having a liner to facilitate rotating thespinning assembly about the upright cylindrical member.
 8. The apparatusfor physical conditioning and strike training of claim 6, the sleevehaving a bearing to facilitate rotating the spinning assembly about theupright cylindrical member.
 9. The apparatus for physical conditioningand strike training of claim 1, the position of the upper stop and thelower stop on the upright cylindrical member being selectivelyadjustable upwardly or downwardly.
 10. The apparatus for physicalconditioning and strike training of claim 1, the strike targetcomprising: an enclosure; and a pliable and resilient material housed inthe enclosure.
 11. The apparatus for physical conditioning and striketraining of claim 10, the strike target further comprising: at least onepressure measurement device embedded in the material housed in theenclosure to measure an impact force of a strike to the strike target.12. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim11, the pressure measurement device comprising: a transmitting devicefor transmitting a measured pressure of the strike to a data recordingdevice.
 13. An apparatus for physical conditioning and strike trainingcomprising: an upright cylindrical member extending upwardly from andmounted in a base; a spinning assembly having a first radially outwardlyextending arm and a second radially outwardly extending arm, the firstand second arms each having a first end and a second end, the first endof each of the first and second arms rotatably mounted on the uprightcylindrical member between a first upper stop and a first lower stop; astrike target positioned between the second end of each of the first andsecond arms, the strike target being rotatable about the uprightcylindrical member; and a resistance mechanism fixedly mounted on theupright cylindrical member to resist the rotational movement of thespinning assembly about the upright cylindrical member, the resistancemechanism fixedly mounted on the upright cylindrical member between asecond upper stop and a second lower stop, the second upper stoppositioned above the first upper stop on the upright cylindrical member,the second lower stop positioned below the first lower stop on theupright cylindrical member.
 14. The apparatus for physical conditioningand strike training of claim 13, the first and second upper stops andthe first and second lower stops being lockingly and releasably securedto the upright cylindrical member.
 15. The apparatus for physicalconditioning and strike training of claim 13, the position of the firstand second upper stops and the first and second lower stops on theupright cylindrical member being selectively adjustable upwardly ordownwardly.
 16. The apparatus for physical conditioning and striketraining of claim 13, the resistance mechanism comprising: a ring mountextending radially outwardly from each of the second upper and secondlower stops; and at least one flex cord extending between and releasablysecured to each of the ring mounts.
 17. The apparatus for physicalconditioning and strike training of claim 13, the first end the firstend of each of the first and second arms including a sleeve throughwhich the upright cylindrical member extends.
 18. The apparatus forphysical conditioning and strike training of claim 13, the strike targetcomprising: an enclosure; and a pliable and resilient material housed inthe enclosure.
 19. The apparatus for physical conditioning and striketraining of claim 18, the strike target further comprising: at least onepressure measurement device embedded in the material housed in theenclosure to measure an impact force of a strike to the strike target.20. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim19, the pressure measurement device comprising: a transmitting devicefor transmitting a measured pressure of the strike to a data recordingdevice.